ECOWAS backs Nigeria against Niger’s ‘baseless’ accusations of ‘destabilization’ plot

West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS has thrown its weight and support behind Nigeria after Niger’s accusations that Abuja was plotting to destabilize its northern neighbor, notably by harboring members of the former Bazoum administration and collaborating with foreign powers.
The Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) has come to Nigeria’s defense as its diplomatic row with the military junta in Niger escalates. ECOWAS has come out strong in support of Nigeria, dismissing allegations that the country is sponsoring terrorism as completely baseless. In a statement, the Abuja-based regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and stood firmly with Nigeria and other member states against these claims. “For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent,” the statement released on Thursday (26 December) said. ECOWAS also highlighted the achievements of the Nigeria-led Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which testifies to Nigeria’s long-standing dedication to peace and security across Africa.
The strained relations between Nigeria and Niger worsened after the latter’s military government leveled many accusations against its neighbor, including that it was harboring the Lakurawa terrorist group with the intention of using it to destabilize their country. Nigerian military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani further slammed Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of allegedly conniving with France to plot anti-government activities. Nigeria has come hard on Nigerian military junta’s claims, dismissing them as ‘imaginary’. According to Mohammed Idris, minister in Bola Tinubu’s government, “these claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.” Despite repeated denials from Nigeria, tensions remain high.